Decision Nears on 911th Airlift Wing's Future

The Pentagon and federal lawmakers will make a "final decision" tomorrow about the 911th Airlift Wing's often uncertain future, the Post-Gazette reports. 

Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said a decision will be announced sometime Wednesday, but said she could not further discuss the matter. 

The announcement will come after more than a year of threats, and delays, to shutter the Moon Township-based air wing. 

The U.S. Air Force has again taken initial steps toward closing the airlift wing after March 2013—after the expiration of a law put in place to delay a closure. 

Military officials said closing the 911th, which employs 1,100 military and 300 civilian personnel, would save $350 million. All personnel positions on the base would be eliminated under the proposed closure. 

But Pennsylvania lawmakers have argued that the base offers a cost-savings to the Air Force, in large part because of its relationship with Pittsburgh International Airport, which shares runways with the 911th and provides services such as snow removal for an annual cost of $20,000. 

Reservists at the air wing have urged the Pentagon to reconsider its decision to close the base. 

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